The much-publicised Bantyre derby yesterday ended in the 82nd minute after police fired tear gas to disperse irate Mighty Wanderers supporters who were throwing objects into the pitch.

They were protesting against what they believed was poor officiation, that saw Wanderers defender Ted Sumani receiving a red card following a second bookable offence.

The game was stopped in the 80th minute as police tried to calm down the situation. Following a 20-minute delay, the game resumed, but never longer as fans started throwing objects again.

Police fired tear gas forcing all players to leave the pitch.

The game started on a good note, with Wanderers dominating, and Stanley Sanudi scored in the 15th minute.

He scored from a Sumani cross into the six-yard box after Babatunde Adepoju missed the ball.

Sanudi’s shot went to the bottom right corner, beating Bullets goalkeeper Richard Chimbamba.

The hosts [Wanderers] dominated the match for the good part of the first-half as captain Alfred Manyozo Jnr and Rafiq Namwera controlled their midfield.

Bullets pilled pressure towards the end of the first-half in which their striker Hassan Kajoke missed good chances.

After recess, Bullets continued from where they stopped. They exchanged passes, creating scoring opportunities, but failed to find the back of the net.

In the 67th minute, Fifa referee Gift Chicco gave Sumani marching orders for swearing at him as Wanderers players were not happy with assistant referee Bernadetter Kwimbira.

Bullets took numerical advantage leading to Wanderers failing to contain pressure from Mishack Seleman, who substituted McPharen Mgwira at the start of the second-half.

Seleman dribbled into the penalty box and whipped a trademark ball across the face of the goal, from the left flank, and it reached Wanderers defender Yunus Sherrif, who scored in his net to level the matters.

Wanderers also substituted Lughano Kaira, Vincent Nyangulu and Francis Mlimbika for Peter Cholopi, Felix Zulu and Peter Wadabwa respectively.

As Bullets continued dominating, Wanderers fans started throwing objects into the pitch. Wanderers captain Manyozo Jnr pleaded with them not to walk out of the game to no avail.

Referees had to be whisked in an armoured police van from the stadium.

The result means that the Blantyre derby has failed to produce three points in five league games.

Twice in 2019 the game ended 0-0. In 2018 they drew 0-0 first-round and second-round ended 1-1. While in 2017, second round ended 1-1 and first-round Bullets won 1-0.